As winter’s chill settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Enter the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies – tiny, melt-in-your-mouth delights that encapsulate the essence of the season. With a buttery base, a nutty crunch, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are a winter wonderland for your taste buds. Let’s dive into the delightful process of creating these heavenly treats.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts to add your own twist to these snowball cookies.
Q2: How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies helps maintain their shape during baking, resulting in a perfect snowball form.
Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, simply thaw and follow the baking instructions.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to embark on this winter baking adventure:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Step 1: Oven Prelude
- Preheat your oven to a toasty 350 degrees. This ensures the perfect baking environment for these delicate snowball cookies.
Step 2: Buttery Bliss
- In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until they form a blissful union. Adjust the mixer speed to low, then add in the salt, vanilla, flour, and the pièce de résistance – finely chopped pecans. Let the mixer work its magic until you have a heavenly dough.
Step 3: Shaping Snowballs
- Roll the dough into inch-sized balls and place them a few inches apart on parchment-covered baking sheets. The magic is in the details – make sure the balls are evenly shaped for uniform baking. Slide them into the preheated oven and let them dance in the warmth for about 11 minutes. Keep a watchful eye to prevent overbaking; we want golden perfection, not a winter meltdown.
Step 4: Sugar Snowfall
- Once the cookies emerge from their baking sanctuary, allow them to cool for a moment. While they cool, prepare a snowy haven for them. In a large Ziploc bag or a wide bowl, place a cup of powdered sugar. Gently coat about 3 to 4 cookies at a time by scooping them up with a fork. Give a gentle shake to remove excess powdered sugar, then transfer these snow-covered gems onto cooling racks. Let them cool completely before giving them a second roll in the powdered sugar, ensuring they are dressed in their winter finest.